Dr. Oladejo Olaleye, an alumnus of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI), has marked a historic milestone in the field of medicine as he led the Head and Neck Robotic Surgery Programme at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust in the United Kingdom in the first-ever transoral robotic surgery in Leicester.
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO (Video Credit: Leicester’s Hospitals)
Dr. Olaleye's academic journey began here in Nigeria where his excellence shone at the Federal Government College Ogbomosho. He then studied at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI), where he graduated MBBS in 2002. After completing his Housemanship at the University College Hospital Ibadan, Dr. Olaleye embarked on a remarkable trajectory of growth and learning. His dedication and commitment earned him the Best Corper award during his National Youth Service in Ebonyi State in 2004. Subsequently, he pursued postgraduate training in the UK, navigating through Core training in Kent, Surrey & Sussex Deanery and Higher Specialty training in Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery on the West Midlands training programme. His journey culminated in obtaining the prestigious fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
During his specialty training at the University of Birmingham, Dr. Olaleye worked on human papillomavirus epidemiology and epigenetics in Oropharyngeal cancers, earning a PhD in 2018. His quest for excellence led him to two advanced Head and Neck Surgery Fellowships at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital in the UK and the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Australia.
Armed with a wealth of experience and knowledge, Dr. Olaleye returned to the UK and, by the grace of God, performed the first transoral robotic surgery in Leicester. This groundbreaking achievement marked the initiation of the Head and Neck Robotic Surgery Programme, a significant contribution to medical science.
Robotic surgery, known for its minimally invasive nature, high-definition visualization, and improved completeness of resections, promises to revolutionize the treatment of head and neck cancers. Dr. Olaleye's pioneering efforts ensure that patients will benefit from enhanced survival rates and a reduction in the toxicity of chemoradiation.
Reflecting on this momentous achievement, Dr. Olaleye expresses his gratitude to his family, including his wife, Dr Jaiye Olaleye nee Oretade, also an alumna of the CoMUI MBBS/BDS Class of 2002; daughters, Ruby and Lily, his mother, Mrs. Durojaiye Olaleye; and siblings, Lanre, Doyin, Tope, and Bisi. He also extends his thanks to the extended family, the POUCH’98 - CoMUI Class of 2002, and friends at home and abroad for their unwavering support throughout this incredible journey. Dejo is currently Executive Secretary of the CoMUI MBBS/BDS Class of 2002. On 1st October 2023, the executive committee of the class held an online meeting with the Provost.
The story of Dr. Oladejo Olaleye serves as an inspiration to both the present and future generations of CoMUI alumni which highlights the remarkable impact they can have on the global stage through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to advancing medical science. This was why during the Alumni Homecoming Week in November 2023, the Provost, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, sat with Dr. Oladejo in her office to discuss his life’s journey as he reflected on the privileges and opportunities of his exceptional career, including the blessings of his family and quite poignantly, his mother. He was also able to establish strong collaboration links between the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgery Department at CoMUI/UCH Ibadan, Nigeria, and the University Hospitals of Leicester UK as he met with members of the ENT Department including doctors, nurses and support staff. The Head of the ENT Department - Dr Kunle Daniel who is also a member of the MBBS Class of 2002 showed him round, and he also met with Senior ENT Surgeon Dr. Onakoya, Dr. Ijitola and the Deputy Head of Nursing. He hopes they can work together on clinical shared goals, training of surgeons, a head and neck fellowship and research in the coming years.
Please watch out for his interview with the Provost to be published on our YouTube channel and website in his honour.
The entire College of Medicine, University of Ibadan community celebrates with Dr. Oladejo Olaleye and appreciates him for flying the flag of the institution high, and for such an exceptional and historical moment in the field of medicine.
We also share some photos Drs Olaleye took with the Provost on a recent research trip she made to Warwick University in the UK.
